Giovanna Theresa Schaefer

Giovanna was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1934. Born to Agata Matilda and Alfonso Pasquale Arcari, she was the middle child of 9. Giovanna spent her young adult years travelling, and made lifelong friends as she sold books throughout Europe before heading to the United States. While in Chicago, she met her husband Peter Schaefer. They married in 1964 and moved to Los Angeles in 1968. Giovanna and Peter raised their two daughters, Anne Schaefer-Salinas and Beth Schaefer while Giovanna worked in retail and as an office manager before opening her own women’s clothing store with her good friend Janet Dinkel. Once they closed their business, Giovanna sought out new adventures and took up running as a way to stay in shape. After her first 5K race she was hooked and immediately began training for a marathon. Gionvanna would go on to complete 19 marathons around the world and numerous shorter races–everything from local 5K races to half marathons. Giovanna loved running and would always encourage others to just get out there and move. While in Manhattan Beach and then when she and Peter retired to Grover Beach, Giovanna always had to be working (and running). Giovanna found a new passion in art, working in art galleries in Manhattan Beach and Pismo Beach. Giovanna also remained active in a number of community organizations, including the United Airlines Retirees with her husband and the Italian Catholic Federation at St. Patrick’s Church in Arroyo Grande–where she was known for her welcoming smile and stellar organization skills every year during the Lenten Fish Frys. Perhaps Giovanna’s best known quality was her ability to turn any opportunity into a story. From selling books in Europe to selling cars in Fondelac, Wisconsin, women’s clothing in Manhattan Beach, or art in Grover Beach, Giovanna could always be counted on for a good story and closing a sale.

Giovanna was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years and is survived by her two daughters Anne Schaefer-Salinas and Beth Schaefer as well as her Son-in-Law Michael Salinas, Daughter-in-Law Maria Holmes and grandson Declan Salinas as well as 2 brothers, 4 sisters, 21 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and even two great greats!

Services

A Celebration of Giovanna’s life will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arroyo Grande, CA. 501 Fair Oaks Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 am followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. A reception will be held following the mass at 942 Atlantic City Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93433.

Giovanna was known for saying things needed a “zap” of color. Friends and family are asked to wear color for the service in honor of Giovanna’s love of color.

Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the following organizations in memory of Giovanna:

The Central Coast State Parks Association in support of the Monarch Butterfly Grove https://crm.nonprofiteasy.com/10496/Pages/fundraising/#/258

OR

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County to support the Pismo Beach Nature Preserve where she enjoyed weekly hikes.

https://lcslo.org/donate/

Both of these locations were very special to Giovanna and the family appreciates your donations in Giovanna’s memory that will help to maintain these outdoor areas for others to enjoy.